From the category archives:

Exercise Theory

Thumbnail image for Proper breathing during exercise and weight lifting

Proper breathing during exercise and weight lifting

There is no general concensus about how to breathe during exercise, but there are several important facts which you should be aware of so you can make an informed decision.

Chinning Bars: Back, Biceps, and Beyond

Pull-ups are an important part of any fitness or strength training routine. Learn about equipment, technique, and viable alternatives to a pull-up workout.

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Exercise Recovery Techniques

Intense exercise can put you out of commission for days. With these post-workout strategies, you can reduce your recovery time and increase the efficiency of your workout regimen.

Shoulder Flexibility for Weight Lifting

Shoulder flexibility is important for weight lifters. Inflexible shoulders limit the amount of weight you can put overhead. Learn how to stretch your shoulders.

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Overtraining

Overtraining is a little-understood phenomenon. Does it really exist or is it a myth? What are the symptoms of overtraining? What can you do to avoid it?

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Six Fundamentals of Fitness Training

General fitness comprises many aspects of physical development, but six fundamental areas of physical fitness are common to all good fitness programs.

Time Under Tension

Charles Poliquin, an influential Canadian strength coach, coined the term “time under tension” in his eponymously-titled book The Poliquin Principles. What does it mean and is it of importance for skinny guys who want to increase their muscle mass?

Use the FITT Principle to Prepare for Weight Lifting

The FITT Principle — Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Technique — is a simple paradigm you can use to design a get-in-shape routine. Use FITT to get fit before an intense bulking routine.

Hypertrophy

Muscular hypertrophy — when a muscle gets larger — occurs by several different mechanisms. In this article, learn what these mechanism are and how we can trigger them.

Thumbnail image for Six Novice Mistakes That Prevent You From Gaining Muscle Mass

Six Novice Mistakes That Prevent You From Gaining Muscle Mass

Most newbies can gain significant muscle mass if they eat right and use a sensible bulking workout. Learn how to avoid the mistakes that will derail your progress.

Thumbnail image for Think Strong and Be Strong: Psych Yourself Up For Maximum Performance

Think Strong and Be Strong: Psych Yourself Up For Maximum Performance

Visualization before a heavy lift will help you avoid form mistakes and can actually make you stronger. Research shows that psychological factors are important in strength training.

Flexibility Training is Important for Weight Lifters

Injury prevention separates successful weight lifters from those who never make progress. Flexibility training is essential for guys on a strength training program.